How to Grow Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader'
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Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader'
Juniperus virginiana 'Silver Spreader'
shrubA compact, low-growing cultivar of Eastern Red Cedar with silvery-blue foliage and a spreading, ground-hugging habit. This evergreen shrub typically reaches 1-2 feet tall and spreads 4-6 feet wide, making it ideal for groundcover, rock gardens, and landscape borders. It's highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, extremely cold-hardy and widely adaptable
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Get my Eastern Red Cedar 'Silver Spreader' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung plant with compact, spreading form; silvery-blue juvenile foliage developing
Water regularly to establish deep root system. Avoid overwatering. Mulch lightly with gravel, not organic mulch. Protect from excessive wind in first year.
Development
Year 2-3Plant gradually fills in horizontally; foliage becomes denser and more silvery-blue in color
Reduce watering frequency as plant becomes established. Minimal fertilizing needed—avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers which encourage excessive growth. Prune lightly to maintain desired shape if needed.
Maturation
Year 3-5Plant reaches full spreading width (4-6 feet) with dense, attractive silvery-blue foliage mounding 1-2 feet tall
Established plants need no supplemental watering in most climates. No regular fertilizing required. Minimal pruning necessary unless shaping is desired.
Flowering & Fruiting
Spring through fallInconspicuous male cones appear in spring; female plants produce blue-purple berries by fall
No special care needed. Berries are attractive to wildlife. Some gardeners remove male plants to reduce pollen, though this cultivar produces minimal pollen.
Winter Dormancy
Fall through springPlant maintains evergreen foliage; some color deepening in cold may occur; structure remains intact under snow load
Avoid heavy pruning in late fall. No supplemental watering needed. Plant is extremely winter-hardy with no special protection required.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Usually controlled by natural predators in established plantings. Spray with strong water stream if infestation develops. Avoid overhead watering which creates favorable conditions for mites.
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Hand-pick bags in late fall or winter when larvae are dormant. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) applied in June when caterpillars are young. This cultivar is relatively resistant compared to other junipers.
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Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation to prevent fungal conditions. Remove infected tips promptly. Avoid overhead watering. Fungicide applications in spring may help in severe cases.
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Prevent by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Plant in raised beds or mounds if natural drainage is poor. Do not apply organic mulch close to stem.
Uses
Ornamental Groundcover & Landscape Design
HouseholdExcellent for rock gardens, dry slopes, borders, and slopes where erosion control is needed. Its low-growing, spreading habit and attractive silvery-blue color make it valuable for providing winter interest and year-round structure in xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes. [source]
Wildlife Food & Shelter
WildlifeThe small blue berries (actually cones) are consumed by birds including cedar waxwings and robins. Dense foliage provides shelter for small mammals and nesting birds year-round, making it valuable in wildlife-friendly gardens. [source]
Fresh Arrangements & Floral Design
HouseholdThe distinctive silvery-blue foliage is prized by florists and gardeners for fresh and dried arrangements, adding texture and cool tones to winter bouquets and seasonal decorations. [source]
Culinary Flavoring
CulinaryJuniper berries (female plant production) are used to flavor gin and other spirits, as well as some traditional game dishes and spice blends. The berries have a piney, slightly sweet-bitter flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal & Essential Oil Uses
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional medicine for diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil is extracted for aromatherapy and used in skincare products for its purifying properties, though internal use requires caution and professional guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not typically harvested. However, foliage can be cut for fresh arrangements. Prune selectively in late winter or early spring to maintain shape, though this cultivar naturally maintains a tidy form requiring minimal pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Eastern Red Cedar,' Juniperus virginiana is actually a juniper, not a true cedar. True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus and are native to other regions.
- 🌱 The distinctive silvery-blue foliage color develops as the plant matures and becomes more drought-tolerant, with the waxy coating that creates the blue color helping the plant conserve water in harsh conditions.
- 🌱 Eastern Red Cedar is the alternate host for cedar-apple rust disease, which requires both juniper and apple family plants (including hawthorn) to complete its life cycle—infected junipers produce gelatinous tentacles of spores in wet spring weather that can infect nearby apples.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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